BDRC Continental Crowns Hilton Hotels & Resorts UK’s Number One Provider Of Meetings Services

2012 UK MeetingsMetrix Research from BDRC Continental Puts Hilton Ahead of the Pack

LONDON and MCLEAN, Va., 2013-02-01 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the iconic hotel brand with 70 properties in the UK, has been awarded the title of the country’s number one provider of meetings services. The findings were revealed by renowned market research provider BDRC Continental in their 2012 UK MeetingsMetrix report.

BDRC Continental carried out interviews with more than 500 corporate meeting bookers and third party travel agents revealing a clear preference for Hilton, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, when arranging both residential and non-residential meetings. Amongst agents, 49% of those surveyed agreed that the chain is ‘a perfect choice for a day meeting’ with 12% nominating the brand as first choice, ahead of any other competitor. Hilton Hotels & Resorts performed equally strongly with corporate organizers, 19% of whom gave the brand their first choice, leaving it 8% clear of its closest challenger.

Oded Lifschitz, area vice president, UK, Hilton Worldwide, said, “We are delighted that BDRC Continental’s research has recognized the outstanding meetings product we provide to guests. Across our whole portfolio of brands we pride ourselves in offering efficient and professional service from the moment an enquiry is received. It is great to see the efforts of our flagship brand’s team members recognized by the agents and corporate bookers who are best placed to judge what good service looks like in the meetings sector.”

Features which stood out in determining the Hilton brand’s position on top were the ideal locations of its venues, the quality of its accommodation and the level of service afforded to those looking to arrange a meeting. 73% of booking agents using Hilton agreed they have hotels in the most important locations, a figure far above the survey average of 35%.

Meanwhile 56% of corporate organizers commended Hilton Hotels & Resorts for the standard of its accommodation compared to an average of 31%. The brand’s high level of service also shone through in the responses from this group with the brand scoring top for ‘providing a proactive approach to customers’ and for ‘friendliness and helpfulness’ of staff.

Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said, “Meetings and events guests represent a key audience for our brand and we continually strive to create a welcoming and helpful environment that is conducive to good business for our guests. With 70 hotels at locations across the UK, from Aberdeen to Southampton, we have boundless capacity for accommodating any request for meetings of all shapes and sizes and look forward to welcoming clients new and old throughout 2013.”

Within Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio of more than 70 across the UK, Hilton London Metropole, Hilton Birmingham Metropole and Hilton Brighton Metropole are perfectly located and equipped to facilitate a range of meetings and events, from small conferences to large exhibitions. For example, Hilton London Metropole, situated in the heart of London, underwent a £750,000 refurbishment of the hotel’s meeting facilities during 2012. The hotel boasts two large conference suites, each with the capacity to hold 1,600 people and a third theatre style suite, which caters to 800. The meeting rooms refurbishment is part of an ongoing programme of upgrades at the hotel that will be continuing into 2013.

For more information about the Hilton Hotels & Resorts UK meetings and events packages, please visit www.hilton.com/earlybird.

Media can access additional information about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at http://news.hilton.com.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

One of the most recognized names in the industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader in hospitality. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow’s savvy global travelers while more than 144,000 Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. Today, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 550 hotels in 80 countries and the brand remains synonymous with “hotel.” Access the latest Hilton news at news.hilton.com or begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltonhotels, www.facebook.com/hilton and www.youtube.com/hilton. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.